By Hughie Southon

The heaviest speculation surrounding Declan’s future began several months ago when the Daily Telegraph made a series of claims about a new contract over a couple of days

They all sounded spot on and may well – as most believed – have been originated by his Dad/agent Sean.

Among the  claims made were that he had rejected a big offer from the club and that a sell on clause would be required in any future deal.

That started a massive feeding frenzy among the media which has bored most of us ever since!

ClaretandHugh has made several checks with newspaper friends, none of whom have any update whatsoever on the earlier situation and the general belief now is that Dec will certainly be here for what could well be another critical year AT LEAST.

We have no need to sell him at this point – another season could well see us progress even further and we are told that those around him now believe him to be as happy as he’s ever been at the club.

West Ham will be putting an improved deal in front of him at the end of the season and in placing a £150 million fee on his head may have indicated that they are ready to offer the sort of wages  that kind of figure demands.

It’s a fascinating scenario and nobody should at all surprised if the captain puts pen to paper.